Through The Grapevine

ABOUT

If you know me, then you know I LOVE grapes and everything about them. They’re my favorite fruit, they gave us wine, and I love the symbolism behind them. For Thanksgiving this year, I decided to take one thing that I love (grapes of course) to help improve a classic cocktail recipe that I don’t enjoy as much.

For me, that would be a Manhattan. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m not a huge fan of the Manhattan cocktail. No matter if its made with bourbon or rye, I just don’t like them. But this version of the Manhattan is by far my favorite. Best of all, each ingredient is derived from grapes: Hennessy VSOP Cognac, a homemade red wine syrup, and Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth.

Archeologists suggest that humans began harvesting grapes as early as 6500 B.C. Grapes can even be found in the Bible and said to represent the “Kingdom of God and his blessings upon his people.” We can all use as many blessings as possible right about now. This cocktail pairs perfectly with Geo’s Roast Spatchcock Turkey and Cabbage with White Wine Sauce.

The base spirit for this cocktail is Hennessy VSOP. I know that Hennessy often gets a bad rap, but their VSOP is seriously good. Full of mouthwatering notes such as vanilla, candied fruits, honey, and baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this Cognac tastes great neat or in a spirit forward cocktail like this one.

No Manhattan is complete without sweet vermouth. I always recommend using Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth. Not only is it the first red vermouth, but it’s full of rich vanilla, cocoa and sweet cinnamon notes that pair perfectly with our Hennessy VSOP.

It’s my homemade red wine syrup that sets this cocktail apart for me. Made with Pinot Noir and brown sugar, it’s simmered until it reached a silky smooth consistency that adds the perfect amount of sweetness to our cocktail. Lastly, Angostura bitters are added for spice and additional complexity.

This drink is served in a coupe glass. You can garnish the drink with Luxardo Maraschino cherries.


Recipe Type: Cocktails

Glassware: Champagne Flute

Serve with: Geo’s Roast Spatchcock Turkey and Cabbage with White Wine Sauce.

Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 oz. Hennessy VSOP

  • 1/4 oz. red wine syrup

  • 3/4 oz. Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare the red wine syrup

  2. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass

  3. Add ice and stir for 30 revolutions

  4. Strain into a coupe glass

  5. Serve